Santosh George Kulangara

Santosh George Kulangara has a confirmed booking on a vacation that will take him thousands of miles away from backpackers, cheap hotels, and souvenir sellers. His destination is the veritable final frontier: space.Kulangara, a Kerala-based entrepreneur and TV journalist, has reserved his place as India’s first space tourist. He will take off on the Virgin Galactic flight from America by the end of next year.Kulangara has spent $20,000 (circa Rs8,81,400) for securing his seat; he will have to pay another $180,000 (Rs79,32,600) for joining the historic expedition. He will undergo a week’s training for a trip that requires more specialised preparation than familiarising facts from the Rough Guide.